Essex County Library Bedbug Infestation Shuts Down 14 Branches

LEAMINGTON, Ont. — A southwestern Ontario library has closed its 14 branches after finding bedbugs in at least one location.

The Essex County library, which serves municipalities near Windsor, Ont., said the blood-sucking insects were found in its Leamington branch on Friday.

It says the remaining branches have been closed so that they can be inspected and will reopen once they have been cleared.

In a post on its website, the library asks patrons not to return borrowed items during the closure and notes no overdue charges will be incurred.

It says that anyone worried that bedbugs may be in library materials should just put the items in a sealable plastic bag.

Bedbugs are small brownish insects that live off blood. They aren't a health hazard.

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All The Places You Might Find Bed Bugs

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They're called bed bugs for a reason. The tiny bugs like to feed on your blood while you sleep, so be sure to check your mattress and crevices around your bed frequently. When looking for bugs, check at night and use a flashlight – according to pest managers Orkin, the bugs resemble a flattened apple seed and may be surrounded by red and brown stains.

You didn't just bring back souvenirs in that suitcase, it's very likely you brought home some unwanted critters in your bags too, warns USA Today.

And not just consignment shops, according to the Travel Channel. Though it should be noted that bed bugs do not cling to people, they do love hiding in fabrics that are close to the human body.

Just like mattresses, people spend a lot of time on couches, making them the perfect place for bed bugs to breed, says Health Canada. Since you can't wash your couch, protect yourself by having it steam cleaned once in a while.

Ever wonder how bed bugs end up in library books? Well, the little critters are notorious hitch hikers that love tight spaces, reports the Toronto Star. Check the spine of your books carefully for stowaways. If you do spot bed bugs try tossing the book in the freezer or oven. High heat and freezing temperatures can kill the bugs. And be sure to check your bag and car for bugs too.

Though bed bugs prefer to be closer to warm bodies, you might find bed bugs in the folds of curtains in highly-infested rooms, says Prevention.com.

Loose wall hangings make a great hiding spot for the flat bugs. Just think, anywhere you can slide a debit card, bed bugs could be hiding there.

When trying to clear your home of bed bugs Health Canada warns against using a vacuum since the bugs can live (and multiply) inside of it.

Anything that goes outside and comes into contact with other people is at risk. Be diligent about keeping these items off your bed or couch, suggests MyHealth.Alberta.

Even the cleanest hotels could be contaminated with bed bugs that have checked in with an unsuspecting guest.

Those cushy new movie theatre seats are just as cozy for critters left behind by past movie goers, reports Travel Channel.

While the cold metal seats on the subway don't provide the best environment for bed bugs, according to the Travel Channel, vehicles with fabric seats like planes, trains and buses might be a little more susceptible.

Just like lice, bed bugs can also be picked up at school, but instead of your kid, its your child's toys that may be contaminated, warns the Travel Channel.

Hospitals around the world have been forced to temporarily quarantine rooms due to bed bug infestations. Fortunately, the bugs do not carry disease and are not considered health hazards.

Bed bugs love clothes and shared spaces so it's no surprise laundromats on this list. To protect yourself, wash your clothes using hot water and avoid sorting and folding your clothes on the shared tables. Get more tips on protecting yourself at the laundromat with tips from Bedbug.com.

It might not look like there are many places for bugs to hide here, but places of worship may also be home to bed bugs hiding away in mass books, says Travel Channel.

Multi-room buildings are loved by bed bugs, who can travel up to 20 feet a night, say the experts at Orkin. Once a bed bug's meal ticket has moved, the bugs tend to relocate in search of more food.